Testifying before the House Committee on Crime Prevention and Public Safety, Jim Wood invoked the Biblical parable of the good Samaritan when explaining his advocacy.

"I reached out to the Barfields with a deep sense of grief and a deep sense of compassion for Hailey Owens and her family," Wood said, before recounting how "my son abducted Hailey off the streets" in Springfield.

"We need to fix this problem, and Hailey's Law will enhance the Amber Alert System that will protect these children," Wood said. "I really don't know how to express to you the grief that people feel for this event."

Also testifying in favor was Emily van Schenkhof, a child abuse lobbyist with Missouri KidsFirst.

"This case will never leave me," she said. "I'm sure it will never leave most of you. This is probably one of the worst cases that we've seen in recent history in Missouri, and words are just not even adequate to describe how I feel about this case and that beautiful, precious child."

Jim Wood said he would be distributing copies of a letter from Springfield faith leaders in Missouri in favor of the bill. A copy provided to the News-Leader shows 15 signatories expressing their appreciation for the Barfields and the Woods for working together.

"Both families are trying to make something good and beautiful come from a horrifying situation and devastating loss which occurred almost three years ago but which is still very fresh and painful in their hearts and daily lives," the letter reads.

The Springfield faith leaders also referenced the possibility that Craig Wood might not stand trial.

"We appreciate the diligence of Greene County Prosecuting Attorney Dan Patterson in seeking justice for Hailey over the past three years," they wrote. "As this case is drawing to a close, we are so thankful for Mr. Patterson's hard work, and that a plea offer is being discussed that locks Craig Wood away for life without parole and respects the desires of both families to avoid an excruciating trial and costly mandatory appeals over the next decade or more."

From right, Stacey Barfield sits next to Genie and Jim Wood during a House committee hearing about Hailey's Law on Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2017 in Jefferson City.(Photo11: Will Schmitt/News-Leader)

They want Hailey's Law, filed this year by Rep. Curtis Trent, R-Springfield, to become law and prevent future tragedies. They've also expressed interest in avoiding a trial, and Craig Wood's attorney says the accused man is willing to accept a plea deal and spend life in prison to avoid a death sentence.

Committee chairman Rep. Don Phillips, R-Kimberling City, said afterward he was aware that there might be some reticence to passing more "alert" bills, citing a Blue Alert bill intended to bring swifter justice to those who attack police.

But Phillips said Hailey's Law wasn't subject to these kind of concerns, as it would improve existing tools without creating a new system.

Stacey Barfield stayed for the hearing and left without taking questions from reporters.

"I just think that she wasn't comfortable speaking in that sort of intense situation," said Trent, who spoke with Stacey before the hearing. "It can be intimidating."